Stefano Utoikamanau has promised he will be at the Wests Tigers until the end of this season – but it appears unlikely the front-rower extends for 2025 and beyond.
As one of the game’s best young forwards, Utoikamanau is expected to receive plenty of offers when his contract expires and the Tigers are seemingly resigned to losing him.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the 24-year-old admitted his desire is to win a premiership and alluded to the club’s recent on-field and off-field issues.
“I want to be here for the rest of the year … I love the Tigers, but it’s hard when we are struggling,” Utoikamanu said.
“I think if you’re in the NRL, you want to win a premiership. It has been a bit hard being here. I came here for an opportunity, they gave me that, I’m grateful for that.
“But it’s been a tough couple of seasons. I just want to focus on winning.”
Among the clubs interested are the Storm, Roosters, Raiders and Dolphins.
Stefano Utoikamanu speaks to the media. Sydney Morning Herald